The Lowdown on Ultra4 Racing's King of the Hammers 2021
The off-road racing season kicks off at the 2021 Optima Batteries King of the Hammers Presented by Lasernut. Dubbed The Ultimate Desert Race; KOH one of the most grueling one-day off-road races. Starting over a decade ago, it has since turned into a week-long gathering of off-road racers and enthusiasts culminating with the 4400 class King of the Hammers race on Saturday, February 6th.
2020 Recap
Last year’s event saw Josh Blyer win KOH for the first time in his racing career. It was also the first time since 2016 that a 4400 with solid front axle suspension took home the win.
The race covers over 160 miles of open desert that transitions into gnarly rock crawling sections. The diverse terrain brought together means that the 4400 vehicles are built for power in the open desert, but geared for rock crawling to combine all that off-roading has to offer in one big race.
Learn about Josh Byler’s 2020 KOH win
Looking Towards 2021
In the past; KOH has brought together over 70,000 people in Johnson Valley, California. Of course, 2021 is going to look a little different out in the dirt. As 2021 approached; the team at Ultra4 and KOH sought to create a safe desert off-road "bubble." Racers and spectators will have to show negative COVID-19 test results before being allowed entrance into Hammertown.
A week full of races and events are planned; including the Holley EFI Shootout, Every Man Challenge, and King of the Motos culminating on Saturday, February 6th with the 4400 class race that will crown the next King of the Hammers.
Watch KOH Live
If you are not able to make the trip out yourself, the best way to see the action and the finish line is by experiencing King of the Hammers virtually via their Livestream.
Watch the 2021 Optima Batteries King of the Hammers Livestream
Stay up to date on the latest scoring and race results
Qualifiers to Watch
Each year, nearly 100 drivers sign up with the hopes of conquering the desert and being crowned King. The number of those that actually finish the race before the 14-hour time limit is even less...
Here are your Top 20 Qualifiers & Starting Positions for this year’s King of the Hammers:
- JP Gomez
- Jason Scherer - 2009, 2018, 2019 KOH Winner
- Bryan Crofts
- Cameron Steele
- Brian Caprara
- Wayland Campbell
- Loren Healy - 2010, 2014 KOH Winner
- Paul Horschel
- Raul Gomez
- Tom Wayes
- Cody Miller
- Levi Shirley
- Shannon Campbell - 2008, 2011, 2017 KOH Winner
- Jordan Pellegrino
- Darian Gomez
- Hunter Miller
- Josh Byler - 2020 KOH Winner
- Bailey Cole
- Chayse Caprara
- Erik Miller - 2012, 2016 KOH Winner
